Hi @Eastmum
I had full node clearance (24) as well. I started with the exercises 1 wk after surgery and physio 4 wks after. The exercises are invaluable. Hurt like hell at the start but not for long. I had trouble with cording and a monster seroma in the breast. The physio showed me how to do the massage to help the cording and reduce some of the swelling. There is a little test they can do to see how well the lymphatic system is working. Your physio will know.
I think I did the massage for about 3 months. I would do it twice a day and exercise that arm as much as I possibly could. Especially up above head (Read that as hand painted a tongue and groove timber ceiling) That sure sorted out the swelling. lol. Seriously though, the exercises are the key.
Nothing really changed with it during chemo and rads I just kept doing what I was doing. I am 19 months (wow) post surgery and 10 months post rads. It's taken up to now to get most of the sensation back though. There are still a couple of slightly numb bits but they're getting there.
I've had pretty much full strength in that arm from about 4 months after. The seroma was up and down and all over the place for 12 months. Zero problems with lymphodema. The only time that arm gives any trouble is at full stretch with weight on it and it doesn't like the vibrations when pushing the lawn mower. Apart from that. All is well.
All the best xoxoxo
